Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast
On Up, Up and Away we speak to thought-leaders and opinion formers in the world of digital health, be that clinicians, patients, young people or other tech innovators. We find out what things are making a real difference.
Our talented team specialise in creating digitally enabled self-management programmes to the NHS for young people. We've spent the past eight years or so developing the Digital Health Passport - an evidence-based mobile app, which improves skills, knowledge and confidence to manage long-term conditions like asthma, epilepsy and sickle cell disease.
Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast
Game Changer: How a London-based PE Teacher Wants Every Student with Asthma to be Seen
In the latest episode of the Up, Up and Away podcast hosts Dom and Saira caught up with Hamdoun, a 19-year-old assistant PE teacher from South London and new ambassador for Tiny Medical Apps' Digital Health Passport.
Hamdoun is currently working in a primary school near Wembley Stadium, is passionate about supporting young people, especially those with asthma and long-term conditions.
Background & Role
- Initially wanted to be a footballer; discovered a love for sports coaching during sixth form.
- Works with children aged 4–11 and engages with every student throughout the week.
- Sees physical activity as essential for health and personal development.
Asthma & Young People
- Many pupils in his school live with asthma, but older children often shy away from discussing it.
- Some feel ashamed or fear being mocked, leading to reluctance in using inhalers or disclosing their condition.
- Emphasises normalising asthma through open conversations and preparedness.
Practical Action & Support
- Proactively checks asthma status before school trips and matches.
- Shares a powerful story about noticing a child struggling during a football match due to asthma—his support and quick action made a real difference.
- Discovered an expired inhaler and followed up directly with the parent to stress the importance of medication checks.
Digital Health Passport
- Excited to become a Digital Health Passport ambassador to further support young people.
- Believes in empowering children to speak up and take ownership of their condition.
- Sees technology as a valuable tool to remind parents and pupils about medication and expiry dates.
Advice to Young People
- Don’t be ashamed—you're not alone.
- Share symptoms and personal preferences with trusted adults like PE teachers.
- Participation in sport can boost both physical and mental health—even for those with asthma.
Suggestions for Schools
- More frequent reminders to parents about checking medication expiry dates.
- Foster environments where students feel safe discussing their health.
Hamdoun brings empathy, leadership, and lived experience to his role. He’s a role model helping children play hard and breathe easy, showing that supporting young people with asthma isn’t about over complication—it’s about caring, preparing, and listening.
